“When he was at the Benjamin Gate, a sentry there named Irijah the son of Shelemiah, son of Hananiah, seized Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “You are deserting to the Chaldeans.” And Jeremiah said, “It is a lie; I am not deserting to the Chaldeans.” But Irijah would not listen to him, and seized Jeremiah and brought him to the officials.” (Jeremiah 37:13–14, ESV)
Often the servants of God may be falsely accused of things. Why is this the case? Well, there are many connected reasons. One is that spiritual warfare is a reality and forces of evil will try to thwart the work of God through a servant whom God is using mightily. In conjunction with this, those bringing the false accusation may just be pawns of these spiritual forces of evil waging war against the work of the Lord. Sometimes it can just be ignorance on behalf of the accuser. In other cases, it can just be that the accuser does not like the servant or the message the servant brings forth.
I have experienced this type of thing on several occasions in my time of ministry, in response to preaching tough but biblically true messages. Generally, these things are done softly through lengthy letters or emails filled with vile accusations. These do hurt especially when they come from people you love and for whom you care much.
Sometimes the accusations are done in a harsher manner. I knew a pastor that was physically attacked by a deacon in a monthly deacons meeting. I once had a parishioner go to our Associational Office attempting to have my ordination credentials removed.
Here in this passage, we see an issue of spiritual warfare against the prophet Jeremiah. Of all the prophets in the nation at the time Jeremiah was one who spoke the truth of God. However, the people did not like the message he brought. It was not what they wanted to hear.
As it was a brief time of peace when Babylon withdrew from their assault on the nation, Jeremiah had business to do in the land of Benjamin. It was to receive his portion of property there. For this he had to leave Jerusalem for that land. At the city gate he was apprehended by a guard and accused of deserting the nation and going over to the enemy, Babylon. The guard would not listen to Jeremiah and subsequently Jeremiah was beaten and placed in a damp dungeon.
Here is the point. We are in a spiritual battle against evil in this world. The battle is fierce. It is a battle for truth and the enemy does not want the truth of God to prevail. Often people will bring false accusations against God’s servants, even those in the church. While sometimes they may have valid concerns, in many cases there are either misunderstandings or disagreements at the core of these things. In either case the issue is one of spiritual conflict.
Now there is a correct and incorrect way to handle such issues. The Scriptures tell us not to bring an accusation against an elder except by two or three witnesses (1 Tim 5:19). Moreover, even here the Scriptures exhort one with the accusation to go to a person directly (Matt 18:15-16). It has been my experience that unfortunately people would rather make the bold accusation without actually going to the person and in Christlike love discussing it.
Friends, if you disagree with something the pastor/elder has preached, go to him and discuss it. Do not stir up a posse around you to lynch the man. Ninety-nine percent of the time the issue will be resolved, and harmony will be maintained in the church this way. If the pastor is wrong or his words confused people, he will clarify it the next time he meets with the congregation. At least I would. Yet it just might be that you are wrong. Yet in either case work the issue out with an attitude of love and humility.
Renewing the Heart 